Abe Riku, the Prime Minister of Japan, clutched at his nose, a faint pain in his eyes barely suppressed by the painkillers he had taken. Not that it’s that unusual, every day has been a series of headaches recently. I suppose I should be grateful a lot of the problems are the good kind, if there can be such a thing…

Seated in the conference room were four very important figures. Fujiwara-san, Ichijou-san and Takatsukasa-san were all there, the heads of the Three Great Noble Houses. In addition, Takakura-san was here was well, in his dark red suit that seemed to be his trademark. We are only missing the Imperial Family. But then, Princess Mikasa is too busy to attend…

“So, our all-conquering heroes return tomorrow. They should be in the air now, right?” Riku snorted, remembering what his daughter had called them. Like most people, his daughter and wife were glued to the coverage of the events in Britain and the aftermath, even now, getting on for two weeks later.

“Yes, and we should prepare to welcome them back with the respect and honour they deserve. Even if they might not thank us for it.” Fujiwara-san said softly. “Public opinion is… mixed. Though we are fortunate that most of the ire of the public is focussed on China. There are other problematic movements mixed in, but… we can deal with those in due time. A display of patriotism can only help us.” Fujiwara-san was looking remarkably bright and healthy, even his skin less wrinkled, and his hair had regained some lustre.

“Yes, we have a diversity of religions here in Japan, but less than two percent are Christian. Thus the religious unrest that is troubling Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa is largely passing us by. There have been some accidents, but we can manage them.” Takakura-san, the religious liaison said with a smile, which then faded. “Though not all is rosy, I admit.”

“I don’t know what I’d do if we had religious chaos mixed in as well. I don’t envy the British. Not that it will stop us gouging them for our aid, of course.” Riku declared. “By the way, you are looking great.” he said to Fujiwara-san, following his earlier thoughts, and he was surprised as the normally implacable man looked a little embarrassed.

“In the end, I was rather forced to get Chirurgery. We had good reasons for refusing, but…” he eyed his fellow nobles. “… I think those reasons are no longer valid. In fact, I find myself able to get far more done, and hopefully I will be able to live to see the end of this crisis, and know Japan and the nobility can survive onwards into the uncertain future. You should all suffer the pain too.”

“It’s all very well, but Akio-kun isn’t as generous as he once was.” Ichijou-san pointed out. “Although…” he grinned happily then. “… we can always make a trade.”

Takatsukasa-san frowned. He had been healed by Oshiro-san, so was aware of both the power and the pain of it. “Giving further concessions seems wasteful. He has already taken so much. Too much.”

I think he’s still sore about what has happened to Takatsukasa house. Well, more fool him. If he can’t see the benefits… Before Riku could speak, Ichijou-san surprised him by speaking up jovially, clapping Takatsukasa-san on the shoulder, despite his bitter look. “Come on, Itsuki. It’s been weeks, you should get over it. It’s not like your blood isn’t inheriting. Hinata-chan is your granddaughter too, just from your daughter not your son. Besides…” his smile was wicked. “… there is always the option Hinata-chan mooted. Sakura-chan is always available…”

As Takatsukasa-san’s frown deepened, Ichijou-san continued. “You’re lucky. Akio-kun deeply treasures family and those he likes. So long as you show Hinata-chan fairness and treat her as family, he’ll look after you and Takatsukasa house, and their children will be heirs with your blood flowing in their veins. Me, I’m just fortunate that my Mayumi is such good friends with Hinata-chan. We’re tied together in business too, so… it all works out.” He was smug, but Fujiwara-san interrupted.

“So long as they survive.” His words were crisp and cold. “First Kyoto, then London. These battles are fearsomely dangerous. One misstep and death claims them, and we lose some of our most potent defenders. We can hardly be complacent. I worry.”

“I bet you do.” Ichijou-san said sympathetically. “After all, your Miyu-chan is one of the Chosen. How is she doing now? Mayumi says she’s blossoming with confidence. Before, Mayumi felt that Miyu-chan was by no means her equal, but it seems her thoughts have changed.”

“Yes, Miyu has indeed grown more confident. Facing such dangers, even if Oshiro-san strives to minimise them, will toughen up anyone. Miyu is no different. Fortunately, her role is a defensive one, I am told.”

“Yes, we don’t know enough about just what goes on in this Boundary.” Takakura-san pointed out. “Though I gather intelligence from those of the faith.”

“Hinata-chan tells my Mayumi about it too. While she’s visited the Boundary and seen this Territory, obviously she was not exposed to any danger.” Ichijou-san agreed. “From what Hinata-chan said about Miyu-chan though, her ability is priceless for building a strong Territory. I wonder if it might be better to be stronger in battle, like Akio-kun, however?”

Takatsukasa-san was silent, other than his connection with Hinata-san, his granddaughter, Riku knew he had the least influence on these matters. It must be hard, having the legacy and the status, yet being unable to arrest the slide to irrelevance. If he was wiser, he would rejoice that his granddaughter is on the up, and can rebuild their family. “I’m not an expert at all, but from the information that the Military have gathered on Chosen, as well as Tsumura-san from his daughter, it’s not an either or choice, is it? They can grow stronger. Which is both an opportunity, and a danger.”

“Yes, through training strength can be gained, but I am not sure if training can ever exceed the gifts the kami provide.” Takakura-san mused. “I hope to find the answers though. Well, my granddaughters will be taking part in more of this training.”

“Not just them.” Fujiwara-san declared. “We need to get more of the nobility involved. Not just our daughter and granddaughters, but sons and grandsons too. To that end…”

“More concessions?” Takatsukasa-san complained. “We have already given quite enough.”

“You think so?” Ichijou-san disagreed. “That’s short-sighted. Takakura-san was there at Conclave, no? Didn’t that girl Eri-chan demonstrate significant strength? And she’s most definitely not a Chosen. It’s a shame she’s injured after that mess in Kyoto, otherwise she might rival some Chosen?”

Takakura-san nodded at that. “Certainly compared to some whose forte is not combat-related.”

“That is beside the point.” Fujiwara-san declared. “Itsuki, it is time to let the matter go. If it bothers you so much, then suggest Sakura-san to the boy. Though I fear that ship has sailed. He no longer wishes to be burdened with arranged marriages.”

“I don’t know why, if I was in his shoes…” Ichijou-san smirked. “…I suppose it doesn’t matter. It’s up to Sakura-chan. She’ll be spending more time with Hinata-chan and conversely with the others. Maybe she’ll fall for him? Who knows. My Mayumi is certainly taken by him… not in that way.” He snorted at their quizzical looks. “No, she’s an inquisitive, curious girl, who has been very bored and stifled by her status and upbringing. But with the changes to Miyu-chan and Hinata-chan, as well as the excitement of being able to stand in partnership with Akio-kun, creating a business never-before seen in Japan… it’s changed her, it excites her.”

“The simple fact of the matter is, we rely too much on what was, not what is.” Fujiwara-san agreed with Ichijou-san. “It is only natural, as in protecting what makes up the core, the heart, the soul of Japan, we naturally look backwards. No, now we must look forward to the future, eyes unclouded and minds clear. Now, if we wish to preserve the best of Japan, we must make it something the Chosen want. More importantly, what Oshiro-san wants.”

“Better the devil we know, huh?” Riku agreed. After all, Britain has proved that Chosen can’t exactly be trusted, not all of them, anyway.

“For a devil, Akio-kun is rather charming.” Ichijou-san laughed. “He’s easy to understand as well. He has his bottom line, which can’t be crossed. No disrespect or harm to him or his family and friends. They say that a devil never breaks their word, either, and he does like win-win scenarios. It’s good business, really. I find it refreshing to deal with. Shige is right of course. If what he wants is what we want, then there is no conflict.”

“There are other ways to get close to him as well.” Fujiwara-san agreed. “There is his sister, for example.”

“Hang on a minute.” Riku said, surprised. “Haven’t we just discussed that his family is something that shouldn’t be touched?”

Fujiwara-san looked at him coldly, and Riku paused, wondering if he had spoken out of turn. “I know. I am hardly such a fool as to forget such an important matter. No, I spent some time with him in London, along with my granddaughters, and Katsuro’s family. I believe I understand him quite well. I am not suggesting we propose any sort of arrangement. It is simply that when his sister moves to Tokyo next spring, the sons and grandsons of nobility will likely have more chances to interact with her. Oshiro-san cares deeply for her, but he will allow her to make her own decisions. Should she find a man she likes, that would hardly hurt our cause.”

“If that did happen, that man had best not cheat on her or cause her upset.” Ichijou-san said, his expression wry. “He’d be dead if he did. Our sons and grandsons aren’t the best behaved, not like our daughters. That would go as poorly as any flirting with Akio-kun’s women. In fact…” he shrugged. “… I’m rather more worried about adding male nobility to the mix. Our granddaughters have all done well, but…”

“There’s too much to gain from his support.” Takakura-san agreed. “Fortunately he was already involved with the true shrines and temples, so even with poor Yamato-kun’s blunders, he has not abandoned them. But the nobility…”

“We offer less than the faith does, in terms of support for that other world, the Boundary.” Fujiwara-san continued. “The Imperial Family has not had many dealings with him, or us. They are holding back, apart from Princess Mikasa, but with events in the United Kingdom, they will likely have to step forward. We… we provide money and influence, but with his new profile, it is hard to admit how easily he could secure financial and political support from elsewhere, should he so desire it. Besides…” his expression was a little grim. “…if he wished to relocate to Britain, I dare say he would be welcomed by the Queen and their Prime Minister with open arms, after his deeds, and his mother is British. No, we need to re-evaluate ourselves.”

“So, just what is important to us?” Ichijou-san asked and Riku spoke up.

“From my point of view, it’s the security and peace of Japan as a nation. Be that defending from foreign threats such as China and the USA, or by handling internal issues. We have the protests and occasional acts of spontaneous violence. Worse…”

“The movement declaring that all those Chosen by the kami are abominations and evil.” Takakura-san said softly, drawing their attention. “So far, several shrines have been attacked, though none were true ones. In addition, a number of people have been assaulted. If Japan was not so largely peaceful, and religious tolerance the norm, it could be much worse. Worldwide, people are calling for action. They fear what they do not understand, and the events in Britain were too loud, too eye-catching, too grim.”

“If they were to attack any Chosen, the attackers would come off worse.” Riku said, but he did understand the dangers. “In addition, we have to decide what to do with our Chinese prisoners. We’ve put it on hold, as they’ve all been cooperative and sat in prison quietly, but… we have to make the decision soon.”

“The problem is, they’re fools. Short-sighted fools.” Ichijou-san sighed. “Much as we wish this never happened…” he looked at Takatsukasa-san then, who glanced away, a touch ashamed. “… it did. And even if by some miracle all the world did decide to supress the Chosen, who then would stop what comes next? Spiritual beings like Shaeula exist, there’s no ignoring that. And I don’t much fancy trying to survive an apocalypse without those meant to stop it.”

“We have already started preparations on that front.” Riku said. “Stockpiling preserved food, clean water, medical supplies, fuel and more.”

“Excellent. The nobility will assist.” Ichijou-san agreed. “I suggest we keep major warehouses underground, in the areas Akio-kun and the others control.” He looked at Fujiwara-san then with a grin. “Your Miyu-chan gives you an advantage there. She can protect your estate. In fact, she can protect the estates of a number of the nobility, no?” he paused, thinking. “Besides, if disaster strikes, Akio-kun and the others would rush to her aid, which is your aid.”

“We are getting off the subject.” Fujiwara-san demurred. “I do agree our stockpiles should be located in protected areas. There is a clear link between Territory and safety, though the particulars remain unclear. And with plans to use these earth element wielders to secure and stabilise underground facilities, we can rest assured of maximum safety. But back to the subject at hand. What do we want? Obviously, we desire peace and security.” He echoed Riku’s words. “Those of us who lived through the period after the Second World War know the sorrows and the losses of times of turmoil. We can protect little in such terrible times.”

“There’s not just that though. Faith, art, culture, what makes Japan a unique nation.” Ichijou-san agreed. “That means preserving people. Artisans, musicians, artists, craftspeople, more. Nothing further can be lost. Land can be retaken, but certain buildings and locations are priceless parts of our history and heritage. Those must be defended.” He paused, smiling at Fujiwara-san. “My Mayumi is no dancer, but your daughters, and also Sakura-san, they perform, do they not? At least that can be preserved.”

“Oshiro-san does find Miyu’s dancing appealing. Despite being young, he does have some appreciation of culture, although… he has more modern sensibilities.”

“Don’t all the young nowadays?” Riku sighed. “My daughter certainly does. I’m not sure where she got her foul mouth from, but it’s extremely unladylike. I wish she was more graceful like your granddaughters. But no, Japan is not just the old, but the new too. Some aspects might be problematic, but the best of it needs protecting as well.”

“We gather more Chosen, through the Ministry, and clamp down on crimes and troublemakers.” Ichijou-san announced. “Suzuki Haru-chan and the others we have gathered have been doing good work, along with the Military Chosen. But we focus most of our efforts into supporting the strongest. And right now, that’s Akio-kun. He has warned us he can’t guarantee he is or will remain the most powerful, but from events in London, he suits our needs.”

“Besides, better the devil we know and can trust.” Riku said again. “Even if you find another candidate to support, your granddaughters are already linked with him, and untangling that would be difficult.”

“I wouldn’t even dare to try and take Hinata-chan from him.” Ichijou-san scoffed. “I like living too much. I may be old, but I’m still enjoying life. Besides, I want to see my Mayumi marry, and my great-grandchildren. Though finding a man to put up with her selfishness, of a status she won’t look down on…”

“That is why you need the Chirurgery.” Fujiwara-san emphasised. “We must live to see the end of this crisis, and Japan’s legacy passed on.”

“I have a suggestion.” Takakura-san said, drawing all eyes. “This charity concert, to raise funds for the victims of Kyoto. Why not… expand it?”

“Oh, how so?” Riku asked, interested.

“Involve the faith, since the public doesn’t understand what is involved. And also Oshiro-san and his group, since they are the news in the public eye. We show the public that we are not afraid of scrutiny, though obviously we are not publicising the abilities and purpose of those Chosen by the Gods. We also win over the young. As the Prime Minister pointed out…” he nodded at Riku, acknowledging his truths. “… preserving the new Japan as well as the old is vital, and that means appealing to the culture of the youth. Idols, games, these comics. All are tools we need to use. As for the older generation, what matters is security, stability, tradition. Both camps can be served. After all, new jobs will be created in preparing and reacting to the changing world.”

“A good idea.” Riku approved. “I trust you can handle the preparations?”

Takakura-san agreed. “I have connections, though I will also require Ministry support.”

“Well, now that is settled, what else do we need to discuss?” Riku said, and as the meeting turned to other matters, he held in a sigh. Things are only going to get more difficult from here. Yes, we hold the advantage we are more organised and are starting preparations early, but… just how does one prepare for the potential end of the world?